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Show r66 THE MORMON LION We rode straight to the Lion House. Chilcott's first thought was to report the favourable outcome of our trip. I had other intentions. Brigham's fine carriage and dappled greys stood waiting before the Prophet's manswn. Chilcott pulled up sharply and sprang from the saddle. I waved my hand to him and spurred my pony into a ~allop. ' I'lf go on to tell Amanda," I called. The ruse succeeded. He nodded and hurried in to see Brigham. I galloped on along the broad street to his house. One of the older children was in the front yard. I reined up, to call out the news of our return, and spurred on again. At the gate of the Sen by place I flung the reins over my pony's head and sprang ofi. My rush carried me into the yard and hall way to the vme-covered porch before I perceived the group of women under the large apple tree at the end of the cottage. I came to a sudden halt and stood motionless, overcome with dread. Nothing could have been more peaceful than the scene before me. Mrs. Senby reclined in an easy chair below the blossom-laden boughs. Though her hair was white and her face furrowed from suffering, her look was restful and serene. Above her the bees hummed and song-birds chirped their sweet notes. Beside her Helga and Ann Jane were sewing dresses, their faces bright with health and contentment ... But I could not see Lucy. Ann lane looked up and sprang to her feet, with a startled' cry. Mrs. Senby opened her eyes and sat erect in her chair. Helga gaped. I advanced towards them a few steps, only to be stopped by a joyous scream from the porch. Lucy came dartmg out to me and flung herself into my arms. "David! David! David!" she panted. "You've come back !-come back to me I " "I have come back to you! Thank God, you're THE MORMON LION here! " I answered, and I pressed her to me and kissed her pale lips. "Yes, yes- still here!" she whispered. "But had you waited longer!- -" I felt her slender form shudder with horror. " Lucy I What is it? You are trembling! " She glanced aside at the gate, her eyes dark with fear. "Yes, I-- Come into the house, Davidin where we will not be seen." ''I'llkeepwatch,SisterLucy,''volunteeredAnnJane. She had hastened forward with Mrs. Sen by, eager to be of service. Helga had risen and was carrying the half-sewn dresses back to the low wing that had been built on at the side of the cottage. Mrs. Sen by laid an unsteady hand on my arm and urged me towards the porch as she replied to Ann Jane: "Yes, do, child- from the gate. Run in when the carriage turns the corner." " Carriage? Whose? " I asked, hastening into the house between Lucy and the frightened lady. " Need you ask, David? "whtspered Lucy. " Brigham's I ... I was hoping that it was only your fears for my safety that had made you so pale. Then he has--? " L "Ever since you left," answered Mrs. Sen by, as! I drew my darling down on a sofa beside me and r,ressed her flaxen head against my shoulder. 'Almost since the first week, David. Every few days he has called, all shaven and perfumed and dressed in finest linen and broadcloth, like a young fop. It's the way of most of them, even those with white hair. n "Your hair is white, dear lady. You also have suffered." . She smiled piteously. " That does not matter David. At least, Norton and I have our long year~ of happiness together, with only the one sorrow- our dead child. But Lucy-- Ah mel Had you not come, what should we have done I " |